Hello Lovely:
Need a little you time? Totally, right?! But are you struggling to make it happen?
It’s totally normal to struggle to make time for yourself.
You have a full plate! Work and responsibilities can easily fill up your schedule. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make time to destress and recharge those batteries. In fact, you kind of need to (you can’t pour from an empty cup after all).
Life is complicated, but self-care doesn’t have to be.
Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated and it definitely doesn’t always need to take up hours of your time.
Whether you’re a busy bee with no more than a few minutes to spare or just looking for some fun, there are relaxing options that you can do in the comfort of your own home. I’m sharing 5 awesome ones for you today! Let’s dive in!
You Need and Deserve You Time
It’s easy to make time to shower everyone around you with love and attention… but it’s also really easy to put your own well-being on the back burner. Hands up if you’ve been there!
How often do you really make time for yourself? How often do you prioritize time to relax, unwind and feel good?
If the answer isn’t “regularly” then you may want to re-evaluate, because taking care of yourself is about far more than bubble baths and massages. It’s about taking care of your mental and physical well-being. And that’s pretty darn important.
I know that we’re all pretty busy bees and sometimes the idea of making time for yet another thing (even if it’s you) can seem pretty daunting. But hear me out…
Here’s what can happen when you neglect your self-care needs:
- Increased feelings of anxiety and anger
- Feeling more distracted
- Increased Fatigue
- Reduced relationship satisfaction
- Lowered self-esteem
- Decreased feelings of empathy and compassion
- Increased risk of health issues like heart disease and depression
Self-care is also an important form of self-love.
When you love and care for yourself everything changes. You make choices from a loving place and do your best to protect and care for your own well-being as fiercely as you do for those around you.
And it doesn’t have to be expensive or even require that you leave your home. There are tons of cheap and easy activities you can easily tap into.
Here are some awesome options…
1. Colouring and Doodling
Pencil crayons aren’t just for kids yo! Colouring is super simple (no major art skills required). And you have so many awesome options available to you. Intricate, entrancing mandala’s, holiday themed goodies… even colouring books based on your favourite novels are all hanging out at the bookstore waiting for you.
And it’s more than just fun an games!
Colouring helps:
- Lower stress
- Foster creativity
- Increase relaxation
- Create a better night’s sleep
And hey, even if you skip the colouring books all together and doodle instead, you’re still winning baby!
Doodling has quite a bit of goodness to offer too:
- Helps you retain more information
- Brings your ideas to life
- Keeps you focused
- Reduces Stress
This is something anyone can do. And a wonderful option for parents! Take a little time to colour while your kids do the same – everyone’s hanging out and happy and you’re taking care of yourself too! Booyah!
Ready to give doodling and colouring a try? Here’s a bit more about why they’re so awesome.
2. Mindfulness Meditation
In theory, meditation is super easy. All you need to do is set aside a few minutes a day (it can be for as short of as long as you want). The sit still, breathe and quiet the mind.
The purpose of mindfulness meditation is to focus the mind on the present moment.
You can do this by focusing on a specific thought (like a mantra) or simply paying attention to your breathing. You can also focus simply on your body and its surroundings, centering your mind on your senses and the present moment.
But the funny thing is, as easy as it sounds, meditation can also be pretty damn hard. In a world where we are all constantly bombarded with information and tackling a never ending to do list, being in the present moment can be pretty freaking difficult.
But the good news is, practice makes perfect.
Mindfulness meditation is free and requires no equipment or investment. Anyone can give it a go and the more you do it the easier it will become.
And there’s tons to gain
Meditation can:
- Help to reduce anxiety
- Increase your focus
- Support your immune function
- Help to foster a healthy blood pressure
- Breed empathy
Does this feel right for you? Great! Let’s talk more about how meditation works and how to get started. You’ll definitely feel better for it!
3. Jump Rope Workout
Ok, I know you likely haven’t picked up a jump rope since you were little, but hear me out. This is a fantastically easy way to have fun and get a good workout (which is a total win in my books).
But here’s what you get when you enjoy a jump rope workout:
- Amazing cardiovascular support
- Healthier bones
- Improved balance, coordination and flexibility
- Tonned muscles
- Enjoyment and fun
Jump ropes are super cheap, easy to bring literally anywhere and require little skill to master. And did I mention it’s super fun? If you’re feeling it, let’s learn more about why jump ropes rock and what they have in store for you.
4. Do Nothing
We tend to exist in a constant state of go, go, go.
Finding ways to relax and do nothing can totally benefit you. A relaxing bath, daydreaming, meditating, sitting in your back yard soaking in the great outdoors… whatever form of doing nothing is right for you, do that!
We all need to disconnect and relax sometimes. And it’s an easy thing to forget to do. But you are not meant to be in a constant state of doing; your brain needs a break from time to time.
Doing nothing is good for:
- Reconnecting with yourself
- Reflecting and examining thoughts and emotions
- Increasing attention span and focus
- Breeding creativity
Doing nothing may seem like a silly thing to make time for, but it’s actually a really important to prioritize. Sometimes it’s the best thing that you can do for yourself.
Into adding ‘doing nothing’ to your to do list? Let’s talk more about it right here.
5. Dry Body Brush
I love this one because it’s awesomeness is two fold.
Dry brushing is amazing for your skin and a great way to exfoliate.
A dry brush will loosen up your dead skin cells and sweep them away, leaving you with gorgeously soft skin. And dude… if feels amazing. Awesome, right?
But this is also a fantastic time to work on self-love and shush your inner mean girl.
Because in order to get the most out of dry brushing, you gotta get naked. Dry brushing really forces you to get in touch with your body and focus on areas you may often hate on. It’s the perfect opportunity to pay attention to those areas, change your perspective and be kind to yourself.
Try to combine dry brushing with positive affirmations while you focus on areas you normally hate on.
Try affirmations like:
- “You love and honour your body”
- “You’re beautiful as you are”
- “You accept yourself as you are”
There’s a reason why I wrote them all in the third person, you can find out why (and a ton more about affirmations) right there.
It may be strange at first, but after a while it will help to change your perceptions about yourself and your relationship with your amazing, beautiful body.
What’s in it for you when you pick up a dry brush?
- Self-love and body positivity
- Boosted confidence and self-esteem
- Lymphatic and circulatory support
- Soft, smooth skin
Down to give it a go? Here’s how you can get started.
Final Thoughts
Stress is a normal part of life and, in small amounts, it can even be healthy. But it’s so important that we know how to recognize, manage and treat stress – especially when it comes on strong.
Part of that is making time to take care of yourself. Even if you only have a few minutes. You are worthy of self-care. And, when you take time to recharge those batteries, everyone benefits. Remember, when you take care of yourself you’re not saying me first, you’re saying me too.
Now it’s your turn! What would you add to the list? Anything you’re excited to try? Let me know in the comments below.
Health and love,
Thought of the day: My own well-being is a priority – I am worthy of the same love and care that I give to others.
Need help? Here’s a free self-care planner to get you started.
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mollykwright
Oh I love when I have the chance to just do nothing!! My favorite part of the day is when everyone goes to sleep and I can just lay around and do nothing. I also love driving without any music or the radio and just clearing my mind. Great suggestions!!
Sara
I’m so happy you love them too Molly! Doing nothing is so freaking wonderful 😊. I’m so glad you make that a priority too. I hope you have the chance to do nothing very soon ♡. And that you and your family have a lovely Holiday season!
cassiect
I love the list. Wonderful reminders, especially that self care is not all about massages lol. I would add maybe doing puzzles of some sort, crosswords, sodoku, cardboard puzzles. Gives the brain a different way to think plus strengthens it.
Sara
Heck yea! Self care doesn’t need to be anything extravagant or expensive 😊. Those are all awesome forms of self care ♡. And I love that you mentioned the two fold goodness of puzzles. It’s all win. Hope you get to sit down to some soon.
Happy Holidays!
cassiect
Me too! Thanks and hope you have the best holidays too:)
Debbie
Excellent ideas!! I love colouring and doodling. Everyone needs to take time for themselves!! Such a important thing and great resolution for the new year!!
Sara
I’m so happy you think so too Debbie! And that you’re own team colouring/doodling. Such a great way to unwind 😊. Hope some colouring books find their way to you in the New Year!
Happy Holidays ♡
Jamie
When I was really struggling with PPA, I found coloring to be so relaxing. And, puzzles. They both require concentration but are mindless at the same time so you can kind of let your brain concentrate on that while just relaxing. Meditation is amazing too. I love this post- so many good suggestions. We all need a little TLC sometimes. PS why is dry brushing better than just scrubbing in the shower? I always wonder!
Sara
I’m so happy you found such great forms of self care to help you through such a difficult time. I’m glad you’re feeling better ♡. Having simple go tos to help us relax is so important and can really be a god send! When my Graves Disease flared up last meditation, colouring, painting and arm knitting really helped me. I’m so grateful for them!
As for dry brushing, there are a couple reasons why it’s different than simply exfoliating in the shower. The first is because water makes our skin plump, which actually causes it to shed fewed dead skin cells. We can avoid this and exfoliate more efficiently with a dry brush. Dry brushing is also typically a longer process and is usually more like a massage, aiding in circulation and benefiting the lymphatic system more than the quick job many of us do in the shower. This of course depends on how someone does it (starting at the feet, working on circular motions etc.)
However, some people find that their skin is too sensitive for a dry brush and since water and soap can act as a lubricant, exfoliating might be a better option for them 😊.
You may very well have inspired a future post gorgeous! Thank you so much for asking! I hope you and your family enjoy a magical Holiday season 💙
phemommienal
I love doodling and coloring to decompress and just relax. I am intrigued by the dry brushing, might have to try this!
Sara
I’m so glad you indulge in those awesome forms of self care 💖. I hope you adore dry brushing! It’s so lovely ^^. Let me know what you think!
notquitesupermommn
Doing nothing is the best, it’s really is one of the best self care activities. Thank you for all the ideas, taking more ‘me time’ and not feeling guilty about it is on my 2018 list of things I want to accomplish 🙂
Sara
That is one awesome resolution! You are so worthy of you time and totally shouldn’t feel any guilt what so ever ♡. Here’s to making nothing a priority whenever we can hun! And to a happy 2018 😊
Dr. Elise Cohen Ho
Do nothing…I love it! Actually, I really like dry brushing. It feels amazing and my skin looks so refreshed.
Sylvia from Outdoors Wonders
I agree with your list. I don’t know about the dry brushing. I do pencil drawing when i am super stressed out and have meditated on and off this year. The do nothing for me is equivalent to sleeping or laying on the couch in front of the tv for a few hours. 🙂
Sara
All awesome things Sylvia! I’m so glad you treat yourself to so much goodness 😊. You deserve it!
ERika
I love that you mentioned coloring and doodling! As soon as I discovered the adult coloring books, I had to have one! Stress be gone!
Sara
They are so amazing, right? I can’t get enough! I hope tons of colouring books find you in 2018. 😊 Enjoy the fun and relaxation!
Melani Lukito
I like doing nothing to refresh my mind, lol. It can relieve the stress. I also like applying aromatherapy in my beed room. Frankicense oil is my favorite.
Sara
It really is so good for us to simply give ourselves permission to stop sometimes! I’m so glad that you make time to do nothing Melani :).
And oh my goodness, aromatherapy is wonderful. You have fantastic taste. Frankincense definitely deserves it’s “King of Oils” title! I’m a huge fan of peppermint and have been diffusing a lot of cinnamon lately. Essential oils are such an amazing thing to have on hand – they truly have so many unique and powerful properties. Great self care tip – thank you so much for sharing!
Maryann Auger | Instagram: @maryannauger
Great article! We all deserve to make more time in your day for a bit of self-care.
Colleen Lanin
These are fantastic ideas! You don’t need elaborate things to take care of yourself, and these prove that.
crisshex88
Do you believe that the fact of understanding and taking time for me, because I deserve it, is something that I have only understood lately? I had to go through a real path of clarity and awareness to get there.
yana
This list is the one I was looked for a long time. It’s perfect.You’re right it’s so hard to relax and have a rest, but this option can help in this difficult time.
Elizabeth O
These tips are so wonderful. You don’t need expensive spa days and weekend trips to take care of yourself – although, they’re nice. Sometimes, it’s as simple as just carving out some time for yourself.
Nikola Roza
I believe in the power of meditation to soothe the mind and increase calmness and well being. Unfortunately, I find it hard to practice mindfulness. I get so sleepy whenever I try it.
I think it’s because I do it in the end of the day when I’m already exhausted.
Ashley t
These are some great self care tips. I especially love the meditation and exercise ones.
forkwardthinkingfoodinista
Brilliant sounds and sensible advice here for sure with some great ideas. I like the sound of doing nothing and doddling x
Ntensibe Edgar
I started colouring and doodling in 2019 and loved it steadily! I’m so in love with it now! Keeps me grounded and thinking “differently”!
thehealthfulideas
Self care is so important. I like listening to music and dancing around when no ones watching haha. So relaxing
yudithnapitupulu
self-care that help you to stay fit and healthy, and with enough energy to get through your work and personal commitments.
Neha
Sounds like sane advise to me! Self care and reconnecting with yourself is so important to lead a happy life.